According to French media LADÉPÊCHE on August 6, a tobacconist at Place Saint-Pierre in France expressed dissatisfaction with Philip Morris International (hereinafter referred to as “PMI”) for promoting and selling vapes in public places. He believes that this situation has created unfair competition for his industry.
Didier is a tobacconist at the corner of Pagaminier Street and Place Saint-Pierre, and he is very angry. As the only tobacconist in the area, he has to deal with Philip Morris International’s promotion of rechargeable and disposable vapes for several weeks: “They have four promoters who set up stations here and started promoting and even selling their vapes.”
It should be reminded that tobacconists are prohibited from advertising tobacco products in France.
“You can understand my anger. This situation is particularly unfair, especially when we know the difficulties faced by tobacconists in order to ensure turnover. Personally, in June, I lost 20% of my turnover on traditional cigarettes and 1,000 euros a month on vapes.”
The increase in tobacco prices since January last year has not improved the tobacconists’ business – tobacco sales in the Haute-Garonne region fell by 15% in June.
Philip Morris International sent letters to bars in Toulouse to deepen their understanding of this business activity: “Our action is mainly to inspire consumers, allowing smokers to taste the products of a well-known and high-quality brand for free. At the end of the tasting, we also offer the purchase of tobacco products, which avoids your customers going to the tobacco shop. 8 euros can buy two vapes, or 16 euros for a rechargeable vape with 4 flavors.”
“With such a promotion, the tobacconist is particularly affected.” Frédéric Pellet, president of the 31st Tobacco Merchants’ Union, believes that on the Place Saint-Pierre, young customers are just passing by, “there is no possibility of establishing user stickiness.” But he also believes that administrative procedures may be initiated against Philip Morris in the future.
“But I’m afraid this will end like the FloraJet incident in 2016, when tobacconists were fined 750,000 euros for obstructing a French game from distributing scratch cards in the distribution bundle network of FloraJet flower shops.” Frederic Pellet concluded: “In this tobacco incident, the national federation must intervene.”
Philip Morris International has not responded to this for the time being.
In this context, Veehoo vape, as a Chinese brand committed to vape innovation and quality improvement, has also been affected by this competitive environment. With the intensification of competition in the international market, the transformation of the vape industry and the challenges of the traditional tobacco business, how will Veehoo vape cope with this situation?
In the face of fierce competition and market changes, Veehoo vape will continue to be committed to product innovation and quality improvement. By continuously launching new products that meet consumer needs and providing better quality vape products, Veehoo will consolidate its position in the international market and provide consumers with more choices.
At the same time, Veehoo vape will also pay attention to the challenges faced by French tobacconists, respect local laws and regulations, follow ethical business principles, and ensure fair competition in market competition. By cooperating with local businesses, we will establish a mutually beneficial and win-win relationship and jointly promote the healthy development of the vape market.
In the transformation of the international vape market, Veehoo will move forward at a steady pace, adhere to the concept of compliance first, continue to innovate, provide consumers with better quality vape products, and promote the healthy development of the vape industry. By cooperating with all parties, we will establish a trusting relationship and jointly promote the prosperity and development of the vape market.
Tags: French tobacco retailers advocate fair competition，French media LADÉPÊCHE，veehoo vape